Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic

Candied sweet potatoes are a beloved dish that brings comfort and joy to any table, especially during holiday seasons or family gatherings. The rich, sweet flavor of tender sweet potatoes coated in a buttery cinnamon glaze is a match made in heaven. This Southern-inspired recipe takes the classic sweet potato side dish to the next level, elevating the flavors with the warmth of spices and the perfect touch of sweetness. It’s the ideal accompaniment to savory dishes like roasted meats, baked ham, or cornbread.

What sets these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes apart is their simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a side dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. The combination of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt creates a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it a go-to option for both casual family dinners and more festive occasions.

Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy weeknight meal, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s warm, flavorful, and brimming with Southern charm. Read on for all the details on how to make this irresistible dish at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Candied sweet potatoes require just a handful of ingredients—many of which you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a comforting flavor profile that’s hard to beat.

2. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness

The brown sugar and cinnamon bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, but the added butter helps balance that sweetness with a rich, savory undertone. This makes for a dish that isn’t overwhelmingly sugary.

3. Easy to Prepare

With minimal prep time (just 15 minutes!) and a straightforward method, this recipe is perfect for even beginner cooks. Simply slice, layer, and bake—and you’re done!

4. A Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish

Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish is always a hit. It pairs beautifully with almost any main course, from ham to turkey to grilled meats.

5. Versatile and Customizable

Though this recipe is delicious as is, it can easily be customized with your favorite spices or ingredients. You can even add marshmallows, pecans, or a dash of vanilla for an extra twist.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Variations

• Add Marshmallows: Top the candied sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows before baking them for a gooey, sweet topping.
• Pecan Crumble: Sprinkle some chopped pecans over the potatoes before baking for a crunchy, nutty contrast.
• Orange Zest: For a citrusy twist, add a little orange zest to the glaze to enhance the flavor profile.
• Maple Syrup: Substitute maple syrup for some or all of the brown sugar for a different take on sweetness.
• Spiced Rum: Add a splash of spiced rum to the butter mixture for an extra layer of depth and complexity.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the potatoes bake evenly at the right temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. You can also cut them into cubes if you prefer smaller pieces.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes

Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the potatoes, making sure they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and absorb the flavors of the glaze.

Step 6: Bake Uncovered

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes. Baste the sweet potatoes with the sauce every 10 minutes to keep them moist and ensure they caramelize evenly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Uniform Slices: Make sure your sweet potato slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
• Baste Regularly: Basting the potatoes with the glaze as they bake helps create that rich, caramelized exterior.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the potatoes during the final stage of baking. You want them soft, but not mushy.
• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh cinnamon and nutmeg will give your dish a more vibrant, aromatic flavor.

How to Serve

Candied sweet potatoes are a fantastic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Serve them alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, or fried chicken. You can also enjoy them with a warm bowl of cornbread or rice for a comforting meal. For a more casual touch, serve them in individual portions as part of a hearty weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven, covered, at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing

While sweet potatoes can be frozen, the texture of candied sweet potatoes may change slightly after freezing. If you plan to freeze them, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Reheat by thawing overnight in the fridge and warming in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, place the candied sweet potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the dish the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use other types of potatoes?

While this recipe is best with sweet potatoes, you could substitute with yams if desired.

3. What can I use instead of butter?

You can substitute the butter with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

4. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.

5. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can make candied sweet potatoes in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low for 4-5 hours, and stir occasionally.

6. How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, cook it for a few extra minutes on the stovetop until it reaches your desired consistency.

7. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor, but white sugar can work in a pinch. For a similar taste, try adding a small amount of molasses or maple syrup.

8. What should I do if the potatoes are too dry?

If your potatoes are looking dry while baking, add a little more butter or cover them with foil for a portion of the baking time.

9. Can I use marshmallows on top?

Yes! Marshmallows are a popular topping for candied sweet potatoes. Add them in the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.

10. What can I serve with candied sweet potatoes?

Candied sweet potatoes pair well with roasted meats like turkey or ham, as well as greens, cornbread, and rice.

Conclusion

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a timeless comfort food that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. With their perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and rich buttery goodness, these potatoes are not just a side dish—they’re a centerpiece. Whether you make them for a holiday feast or a casual family meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your sweet potatoes and get ready to create a dish that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

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